E-votional – What Flavor!
January 30, 2001
Verse:
I am the vine, you are the branches.  Those who abide in Me, and I in them, bear much fruit because apart from Me you can do nothing." 

-- John 15:5
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?John+15:5
Thought:
I pick the best one, walk over to the kitchen sink, rinse it off.  Then as I sink my teeth deep inside, hear the crunch, a burst of juice fills my mouth.  There is not much like a good apple.  The same goes for a good, ripe tomato.  If you add a good, ripe tomato to a sandwich, it changes the complexion of the sandwich completely.  I have tomatoes and apples both, that were for the most part dead.  They had the right color, even the right texture, but no flavor.
Hear the Good News, as Christ is within us, not only do we have the right look and texture, but also the right flavor.  Anyone can look or even act like they are at peace with themselves and others, but the truth remains without Christ, we do not have the authentic flavor we and others look for.  As we remain with Christ and allow Christ to remain in and with us, we can and will do all things.  This is because God does not pick the best, but rather turns and cultivates us into the best, ripest people, the ones with the most authentic flavor we can be.  So, who is your Gardener?  Who is your branch?  What kind of flavor do you have?

Prayer:
Trim me, prune me and form me into a fruit that is faithful and authentic.  Lord, I can not understand why, You seek even me, yet you do.  I, at times see my blemishes and wonder am I still connected, and right at about that same time I feel You with me.  Thank You.  allow my flavor to contagious and authentic, so others might experience you as their Keeper, Shaper and Lover You make me fill complete and ripe, thank You for all You have done in my life, and all You will continue to do, through Christ our Lord I pray.  Amen.